Thursday, August 12, 2010

Barack Obama Academy- Getting a new Address

Plainfield's alternative High School will move to it's fourth home this school upcoming school year. The plan is set to save the district $600,000.


The School Board is expected to vote next week on a new plan to move Barack Obama Academy to the District's Administration Building 1200 Myrtle Avenue's lower level. Interim Superintendent Anna Belin-Pyles announced Wednesday during a meeting with parents of students who attend the school. As you may re-call the school's administrative staff (principal, principal's secretary, and office secretary) have been transfered to other schools in the district. This action started speculation and questions about whether the school will be closed and students will go back the Plainfield High School.


"There was never any intent to abolish (the academy) or abandon our children," Mrs. Belin-Pyles explained to parents, apologizing for the confusion of the school on Wednesday.



LOOKING BACK: This alternative school was founded in 2004, it's purpose was to help students who failed to find success at Plainfield's Primary High School, these Alpha classes were held at PHS until 2008, when the academy was converted into one of Plainfield's independent schools as recognized by the State Department of Education, was then renamed Plainfield Academy for Academic and Civic Development. The school spent it's 2008-2009 School Year on Jefferson Elementary School's grounds. Classes were held at 1700 West Front St.



RENAMING THE SCHOOL: A student-led movement resulted in the new name of the school, which is the current name of the school. It was renamed in 2009, the school was believed to be the first in the state and the second in the nation named after President Barack Obama. The school has an enrollment of 60 studentsin seventh through 12th grade, the 2009-2010 School year was spent at the historic Lincoln Building located on Berckman Street.


The academy will retain it's name. So, here's a question that we all may be asking? Space? Well staffing levels are expected to be reduced according to Belin-Pyles. Of course there will be a new School Administrator to take Johnson-Tucker's place; this person will be responsible for the day to day operations as well as the person will have other responsibilities. Who yet? No one is sure. Staffing cuts and re-assignments are planned to be taking effect soon to make space for the Students.


My Prospective: I'm not to sure about the move to the Administration Building. I hope it works out for the best though. I wonder what's going to happen to the the Lincoln School. Maybe the new Charter school of Plainfield could go there. The Barack Obama Green High School. That's pretty silly whoever made that call to move the Boys and Girls Club out of Plainfield. Then, worry about Plainfield's shootings. ACTIVITIES COULD HAVE BEEN HELD THERE, TO GET KIDS OFF THE STREETS. Hoping to see more from what will happen plus, still awaiting the announcement of the Administrator's Positions. It's time we change things up and bring some of those Department Officials out of the Administration building and throw them back into schools.


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I'm Vashon and this is "A Student's Prospective"


"Today's youth becoming tomorrow;s Leaders"
Jefferson School Leadership Project


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